The family and I headed to the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg TN last week for a long family weekend. We actually lived in TN for several years, and our first two daughters were even born there, but somehow we never made it to this popular tourist destination for many, especially Southerners.
If you've visited my blog or FB page for even 5 minutes, I don't have to tell you that I'm an animal lover. If you go to Gatlinburg, there are many touristy things to do, go-kart rides, shows to see, shopping to be done, etc. but my husband planned some very natural things for us to do, including a ride through Cades Cove where we witnessed deer and BEARS in their natural habitats...yes, I said BEARS.
But, the most fabulous memorable experience of all was horseback riding at Smoky Mountain Stables!
Here we are before the ride
Me on my buddy Big Ben :) Truly he was the biggest of all the horses (6 ft. tall), and even though I'm not a new rider, I was a little intimidated when I realized he was mine for the next hour. But, Ben was as gentle as could possibly be...such a smart fella too :)
The firstborn was the only one of us who had never ridden before and she was nervous...she's quite the thinker and tried to overthink the ride at times rather than just relaxing and moving with her horse. I rode right behind her so she provided unexpected humor.
My middle daughter helped take care of a friend's horses in the pasture behind our house for over a year so she was very comfortable with her horse. Here she's posing...what's with teenage girls these days and that crazy lean to, fake smile pose...have you seen it??
I like this one much better
My little cowpoke...cutest thing ever...was also very comfortable on her horse, Gravy.
And, of course, bringing up the rear...cause somebody has to...the old man...who, although not a horse ingenue by any stretch, seemed to be a little uncomfortable at times. Ahem, I wonder if it's easier for women to ride horses than men..ahem. :/
At the last minute I grabbed my camera and slung it around my neck...5 minutes into the ride, the trail guide's horse got spooked by a BEAR right off the trail with my little cowpoke right behind him. He quickly and professionally regained control of both horses and motioned for us to sit still and quiet...which, of course, we did. We watched Mr. Bear lope along right beside the trail going in the opposite direction.
Can you say Gulp?
After Mr. Bear moved a little more into the bushes, my husband said, "Did you take a picture?"
"Um, was I supposed to? I was a little preoccupied."
Whoops.
Here we are after the ride with a few of the guys from the stables. I'm gonna go ahead and tout the South for those of you who've never been here before.
All stereotypes put aside, you won't find a nicer bunch of folks. And, sure we have the drawl thing going on for us...but it's so nice to be around just regular people sometimes. People who aren't worried what others think of them and who honor and respect the beauty in the world around them.
I have lots of photos like this one bc I was taking them while Big Ben and I were making our way along the trail.
Great, Great Memories!!
Snapshot Saturday is hosted by Alyce @ At Home with Books
But, the most fabulous memorable experience of all was horseback riding at Smoky Mountain Stables!
Here we are before the ride
Me on my buddy Big Ben :) Truly he was the biggest of all the horses (6 ft. tall), and even though I'm not a new rider, I was a little intimidated when I realized he was mine for the next hour. But, Ben was as gentle as could possibly be...such a smart fella too :)
The firstborn was the only one of us who had never ridden before and she was nervous...she's quite the thinker and tried to overthink the ride at times rather than just relaxing and moving with her horse. I rode right behind her so she provided unexpected humor.
My middle daughter helped take care of a friend's horses in the pasture behind our house for over a year so she was very comfortable with her horse. Here she's posing...what's with teenage girls these days and that crazy lean to, fake smile pose...have you seen it??
I like this one much better
My little cowpoke...cutest thing ever...was also very comfortable on her horse, Gravy.
And, of course, bringing up the rear...cause somebody has to...the old man...who, although not a horse ingenue by any stretch, seemed to be a little uncomfortable at times. Ahem, I wonder if it's easier for women to ride horses than men..ahem. :/
At the last minute I grabbed my camera and slung it around my neck...5 minutes into the ride, the trail guide's horse got spooked by a BEAR right off the trail with my little cowpoke right behind him. He quickly and professionally regained control of both horses and motioned for us to sit still and quiet...which, of course, we did. We watched Mr. Bear lope along right beside the trail going in the opposite direction.
Can you say Gulp?
After Mr. Bear moved a little more into the bushes, my husband said, "Did you take a picture?"
"Um, was I supposed to? I was a little preoccupied."
Whoops.
Here we are after the ride with a few of the guys from the stables. I'm gonna go ahead and tout the South for those of you who've never been here before.
All stereotypes put aside, you won't find a nicer bunch of folks. And, sure we have the drawl thing going on for us...but it's so nice to be around just regular people sometimes. People who aren't worried what others think of them and who honor and respect the beauty in the world around them.
I have lots of photos like this one bc I was taking them while Big Ben and I were making our way along the trail.
Great, Great Memories!!
Snapshot Saturday is hosted by Alyce @ At Home with Books
